Be prepared for anything on your next road trip. Photo: Creative Commons
No matter who is driving you need to be prepared with an emergency kit.
We all know who will be madder than a hornet on an August afternoon if the family gets stranded on the side of the highway without a proper emergency kit. I’ve driven across North America, and I know how to pack a car, especially supplies to help solve roadside misfortunes.
You know that feeling when pulling out of the driveway that you forgot something? Don’t get it on your next trip when you use this list for car emergency kit must-haves.
Related: Yes, You Can Buy A Car At Costco, And Here’s How to Get the Best Deal
Car Emergency Kit Must-Haves
You want to stay on schedule and arrive to your destination safely. Keeping your car in good working order helps prevent roadside emergencies.
- Spare tire-some newer cars might not have one
- Jack–see if it’s complete before you need it ($64.99 on Amazon)
- Tire gauge ($17 on Amazon)
- Tire inflator and sealer for emergency flat repair ($16 on Amazon)
- Lug key–If your car requires one. ($22 on Amazon)
- Car manual–What’s that mysterious light that just popped on your dash?
- Jumper cables ($12 on Amazon)
- Quart of oil + funnel
- Leatherman tool ($69 on Amazon) or minimum a flat head and Phillips head screwdriver along with adjustable pliers
- Duct tape ($24 on Amazon)
- WD-40 ($25 3-pack on Amazon)
- Flares ($37 kit on Amazon)
- Paper Maps–Grab them for free at a state’s welcome center.
Related: 9 of the Best 3 Row SUVs–From Luxury to Affordable
Car Safety hammer on Amazon $17, this window breaker and seatbelt cutter combo is an easy thing to buy and a critical tool when you need it.
What’s in your Glove Compartment?
Stock your glove compartment with items you need to keep within arms reach in case of any misadventures. It’s a great place to stash some key emergency kit items like:
- AAA membership card, or other travel insurance card
- Copies of registration and car insurance card
- Car manual
- Flashlight with fresh batteries ($17 on Amazon)
- Window breaker and seat belt cutter, especially if you have small children in car seats
- Matches or lighter
- Car maintenance log
- Multi-Purpose Tool, like Leatherman
- Tire Gauge
Related: Best Podcasts to Listen to While Driving (Because We Love Multitasking)
A well-stocked first aid kit is a must for everyone in every car. Photo: Pixabay
First Aid Supplies
Life with kids is unpredictable. Scapes and falls happen frequently so be prepared. Essential to any car emergency kit, I keep my first aid kit under the driver’s seat.
- Assorted bandages
- Antibiotic cream
- Anti-itch cream
- Anti-bacterial gel
- Pain reliever, adults and kids
- Allergy medication, like Benadryl
- Antacids
- Eye Wash
- Lip balm
- Extra required medication
- Tweezers
Center Console or Arm Rest Compartment
Got a console? Load it up with these roadside essentials.
- Wipes ($15 on Amazon)
- Extra money, especially change for old-school parking meters.
- Extra napkins or paper towels
- Facial tissue
- Extra sunglasses
- Paper to write on
- List of phone numbers to friends or family. Just in case the phone goes missing.
Make sure you can reach your emergency essentials when road tripping. Photo: Catherine Parker
In the Trunk or Back of the SUV
Grab a tote and pull together more supplies.
- Old towel or blanket–never know when you have to rescue an animal.
- Extra cords and cube for technology. In addition to the ones in use.
- Extra pair of shoes, in case you break your flip-flops.
- Disposable rain ponchos
- Extra set of keys.
Personal Products
I grab a small zip-top bag and pack it with personal care products. Just in case I get stranded overnight unexpectedly.
- Deodorant
- Extra pair of underwear
- Basic makeup, like mascara, powder, and lipgloss
- Travel roll of toilet paper
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Contact holder + contact solution
- *Lady* products
- Travel toothbrush + paste
- Dental floss or pics
Food
Pack a few essentials for every day. Add some road trip snacks when headed out for a family trip.
- A gallon jug of water; can be used for radiator too
- Protein bars
- Dried fruit bars
- Dried nuts
Related: Tips for choosing road trip snacks.
Make sure your family is prepared for an emergency. Photo: Catherine Parker
Just For the Kids
Keeping kids clean is nearly impossible so be prepared.
- Extra outfits plus socks and underwear
- Extra jacket or hoodie
- Stroller for kids under 6
- Sun hat for warmer weather
- Beanie for cooler weather
- Extra gloves – cheap ones ok
Babies require their own list of emergency must-haves. Photo: Nasreen Stump
Babies and Toddlers
When my kids were little, I used my SUV like a giant diaper bag. Keep these items stored where you change your baby in the car.
- Baby food and/or formula
- Baby wipes
- Extra diapers
- Changing Pad
- Bleach wipes
- Extra clothes including shoes and socks
- Disposable grocery bags for the dirties
- Extra soothing object, like a pacifier
- Extra toys
When I wash my SUV of course I wear evening attire. Photo: Pixabay
Keeping the Family Car Clean
We all know that kids are messy so take a few minutes to wash the car regularly. Kids can help too.
- Windex wipes
- Armoral wipes
- Microfiber cloths—Dry the outside and wipe down the inside.
Related: Tips for keeping your car clean–mile after mile.
Are you prepared for winter driving? Photo: Catherine Parker
Winter Emergency Kit Must-Haves
Winter travel requires its own products if you live or travel in snow-prone areas. Your car’s roadside emergency kit might need to include things like:
- State Website App for road closures and chain requirements
- Ice scraper with brush
- Can of de-icer
- Chains or cables plus extra cash to have someone install them
- Emergency blanket for heat retention
- Extra food and water
- Rubber gloves to protect hands when installing chains or removing snow and ice
- Small packable shovel for snow removal
Related: Tips for winterizing your car.
With all of this in your vehicle…you’ll be ready for anything!
Catherine Parker
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Hey Ctherine ,how about stainless steel water bottle for toddlers? I think you added almost every essential things. Can you please explain why do you need “Can of de-icer” in winter ?
De-icer fluid removes ice from windshield. It comes in a spray can.
Also ALWAYS keep food, water, hoe, shovel, bucket, oil, electric heater, portable 12V stove, 12 fan, pair of casual clothes, ice, lighter, oscilloscope, a laptop, extra led display, 100W bulbs, can of Coca Cola, a German Shepherd, bicycle and a gun…
Jack and flares
This is a really informative topic with lots of detail. Thank you for sharing your thoughts !
A bigger car? A larger trunk? Maybe a minivan to fit it all?
kitty litter during winter. provides traction.
I just saved this page and am going to start investing in these things. What an expert list! Thank you so so much!!
I disagree with keeping the car registration (or anything with your address on it) in your glove compartment. If your car gets broken into, they know you are not home and now know where you live.
Yeah but how do they know the house is empty? Just because you are out somewhere doesn’t mean you don’t have other people living at that house that can defend it.